Previous event: Wednesday 22/05/24 at 19:00
Theme: Cusumano (Sicilia)

In terms of wine, Sicily is one of the largest regions in Italy in terms of volume. Millions of hectoliters were shipped to Northern Italy in the nineties to be assembled into drinkable and especially cheap wine. Fortunately, a new generation has emerged, who want to go for quality instead of quantity. And with success. Winery Cusumano, owned by brothers Diego and Alberto of the same name, was even named winery of the year in Italy in 2013. Then you must be able to make really good wines.

Together with winemaker Mario Ronco, the brothers have opted for a modern approach, without forgetting their Sicilian origins. This is also evident from their choice of grapes, a mix of native varieties such as Nero d’Avola and Inzolia and international certainties Syrah and Chardonnay. Cusumano’s terroir idea is that there is an ideal place on the island for every grape variety used. All wines are harvested by hand and transported in small crates. In 2013, Cusumano bought three existing vineyards on the northern slope of the volcano.

The Alta Mora project was born. Years of research preceded it. The old walls of the terraces were reconstructed and a winery was built, which was given the name Alta Mora. In order to save energy through natural insulation, the building was constructed partly underground. In addition, energy from biomass is used. The building materials chosen included lava and opus signinum (shards of tiles and pots mixed with mortar, used by the Romans). Lava provides coolness in the summer and insulation in the winter, but also regulates humidity.

Previous event: Wednesday 28/02/24 at 19:00
Theme: Pescaja (Piedmont)

Pescaja is a small wine estate run by Beppe: he is both a top winemaker, but can also talk about wine like a true philosopher. The vineyards of Pescaja are mainly located in "Roero", "Langhe" and the "Colline Alfieri" near "del Monferrato" in Piedmont; three areas that are particularly suitable for wine growing (the many hills provide perfect exposure to the sun). They are also influenced by the nearby Alps (harsh winters and cool summer evenings) and by the Mediterranean Sea, which is only 80 km away. For the red vines the land is in fact limestone, for the white it is sandy clay. The love for the land and the desire to express it does not mean that you do not have to use the most advanced equipment that will get the greatest number of possible characteristics of a wine. At Pescaja all the innovative methods that still preserve the natural goodness are used to produce a "modern" wine that is adapted to the demands of the time and has a strong personality. "Hi-Tech" equipment does not mean that you do not have to pay attention to the care of the vines. Beppe pays special attention to the care of the vines and to obtaining bunches of grapes of unparalleled purity and concentration. The quality of the vineyards is clearly visible from afar, bordering on perfection.

Previous event: Wednesday 04/10/23 at 19:00
Theme: Masi (Veneto)

Masi, the winery of the Boscaini family, has an enormous history and reputation. You can feel that immediately when you meet the current director, Sandro Boscaini. A passionate man and strict when it comes to monitoring the quality of his own wine and the image of regional wines such as Bardolino and Amarone. Due to the high demand for these wines, the government is constantly expanding this wine region, even if the terroir is different. Sandro is completely against this and fights for stricter quality requirements. At Masi themselves, they set the bar high. The grapes come from the very best vineyards. The vineyards for the Bardolino are located on the hills on the eastern side of Lake Garda. The combination of sun and the cooling wind from the water produces grapes with fruity juice and refreshing acids. The basis for thirst-quenching summer wine.

The Boscaini family has owned the Masi vineyards for six generations. Sandro runs the company with his children and brother. The director is both a man of tradition and an innovator. He wants to preserve the unique style of the wines from Veneto and at the same time improve the quality where possible, including by applying new wine production techniques. Masi’s ‘Supervenetians’ are modern wines for which only local grape varieties from well-located vineyards are used. The Campofiorin is such a wine.

Masi also takes care of the vineyards, wine production and sales for the owners of the nearby Serego Alighieri wine estate. The foundation for Serego Alighieri was laid on April 23, 1353, when Pietro Alighieri, son of the famous Italian poet/writer, Dante Alighieri, bought the first vineyard in this area.